Window blinds are popular home furnishings that add beauty to your windows and home. They offer privacy, heat, UV rays insulation, and keeps your home cool.
While blinds can be eye-catching, they can also be an eyesore when they are forgotten and gather dirt. They require regular cleaning and maintenance to look their best.
There are a variety of blinds made from different materials. Although there are general cleaning treatments, each material and type has its own cleaning procedure.
It is important to know what to use when cleaning a particular type and how to remove blinds for cleaning to avoid damaging or ruining them.
The Most Popular Types Of Blinds
Venetian Blinds
These window coverings are a centuries-old technique. Venetian blinds are a popular choice because of their versatility.
They are simply blinds with horizontally configured slats that are suspended by tapes and can rotate in unison up to 180 degrees.
If you want to adjust the blinds and control the lighting, pull the tapes to rotate the slats and bring them together.
There are also cordless Venetian blinds that are favoured by parents with young children. Cordless blinds help avoid accidents caused by entanglement in the tapes.
While Venetian blinds may be available in a variety of materials, they are usually made of wood. They are perfect for narrows windows and are usually installed in kitchens and bedrooms.
Mini Blinds
Mini blinds are typically Venetian blinds but are smaller and mostly available in aluminium. Their thinner slats have a width that is less than the standard Venetian blind width, usually 1-inch thick.
Mini blinds can also be made smaller by using narrows slats of half an inch thick to form micro blinds.
Compared to standard venetian blinds, these blind types are a bit more affordable and easier to clean because it’s made of aluminium.
Also, mini blinds are durable, easy to install, and maintain. Their thin features make them a perfect fit for many rooms and are ideal for doors and windows with shallow depth.
This type of window covering is versatile and offers medium room darkening when the slats are fully closed.
Mini blinds can be installed with routeless slats, cordless or cloth tapes.
Cordless, as mentioned earlier, are best for safety with children and pets around.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are window coverings with individual vanes or slats running from top to bottom and open sideways like curtains.
Their vertical characteristic makes them suitable for large windows, hard-to-fit bay windows, sliding glass doors, patio doors, and room dividers.
They operate on a sliding track system and can be varied either by opening them from side to side or by splitting them in the middle.
These types of blinds are kid-friendly and can be tilted to adjust the amount of light required.
Vertical blinders are easy to install and operate. Since they hang vertically, they collect less dust, making them easier to clean and maintain.
Their modern look fits contemporary and transitional spaces.
Panel Track Blinds
Panel track blinds also referred to as sliding panels, are wide cloth slats that hang and can be moved independently of one another in either direction or split in the middle.
Offering a broad and sweeping covering, these blinds provide an enchanting aura to any interior décor.
Their seamless design, ease of opening and closing while gliding along the track enables them to compliment any space.
Panel track blinds are the perfect alternative to vertical blinders. They are most suitable for covering large spaces like large windows, closet doors, patio doors and can be used as room dividers.
These sliding panels create a distinctive and stylish appearance to entryways.
They also add a sophisticated look and bring a new feel to the rooms.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Blinds Without Taking Them Down?
Cleaning your blinds is a bit more hands-on. While it will take some time, it is possible to clean blinds without taking them down. Collect the material below;
- Microfiber cloth or duster
- Warm water
- Vinegar (used on select blind materials)
- Vacuum cleaner
- Similar to other household items, regular dusting helps to keep the blinds clean. Start by opening up the blinds and wiping away the dust using the microfiber cloth.
- Then use a vacuum cleaner to blow away dust from areas that the cloth couldn’t reach and other components of your blinds like tracks.
- This next step will depend on the material of your blinds. For vinyl, faux wood, and aluminium, wash them using a mixture of warm water and a gentle soap or detergent. Wipe the slats from top to bottom using a damp cloth soaked in the warm water solution. For fabric material blinds, use a less abrasive cleaning solution mixed with warm water to gently spot clean dirty areas. Wood blinds should only be dusted or vacuumed.
- Remember to finish by wiping strings in case of any.
TIP: Clean your blinds every week for better maintenance. Ensure you dust both sides of the slats.
Why Should You Remove Your Blinds For Cleaning?
Although blinds can be cleaned without taking them down, there are instances where they are too dirty to clean properly, and they have to be removed.
Blinds splattered with grease and other stubborn residue require deep cleaning and rather than the usual dusting.
In such a case, they are taken down for thorough cleaning using soap, vinegar, and scrubbers.
How To Remove Your Blinds For Cleaning?
Removing Venetian Blinds For Standard Brackets;
- Pull the blinds’ cords until all the slats are all the way up to the top cover. Do the same with your hand for cordless blinds.
- Carefully remove the top cover to access the brackets that hold the blinds in place. Some covers are held by clips, so ensure you check before removing. Skip this step if there is no cover. Cordless blinds usually have a hidden installation bracket that can only be seen when you pull the blind forward.
- Open the clips or bracket by placing a flathead screwdriver between the headrail and the bracket.
- Hold the blinds and pull them from the area of installation.
For Spring-loaded Brackets;
- Follow step one above. Lift the slats until they locked in their place.
- Find the spring-loaded brackets at the top of the blind.
- Gently push the blind inward and start rotating it toward the floor until the blind is released.
- Finally, use a flathead screwdriver to remove the screws connecting the bracket to the window and take it down.
Removing Mini Blinds
Apply the same procedure for removing Venetian blinds.
Removing Vertical Blinds
- Inspect the top rail to find out if the blinds have a valance. If so, carefully remove the valance by gently pushing it upwards until it separates from the vane carrier. You’ll notice a gap while pushing it. Skip this step if there is no valance.
- Partially open the vanes at an angle by pulling the blinds’ chain on its right side.
- Separate the vane carrier from the vane using a thin plastic, can be a debit card.
- Then gently slide down the vane to release it from the vane clip. Repeat the same process to free all the vanes.
- Next, remove the bean chain and then the headrail by removing the screws if it is an inside mount type of vertical blind. However, if it is bracket mounted, go to step 5.
- Find the brackets and remove them using a flathead screwdriver. Insert and twist the screws in the spring clips until the spring releases.
How To Deep Clean Blinds For The Most Popular Material Types?
Aluminium
Aluminium blinds are easy to clean because they are dust resistant and can be simply wiped.
Unlike wood that is susceptible to warping, this material can be cleaned using a microfiber cloth soaked in warm water and mild soap for extensive cleaning.
After that, clean again using freshwater and remove excess moisture using a sponge.
For greased slats, use a degreaser before scrubbing gently. Allow the blinds to dry completely by hanging them on the shower rod.
When putting the back, open the slats fully for air circulation.
PVC Or Vinyl
First, dust them from top to bottom.
Then submerge the blinds in a tub filled with warm water and gentle household detergent for five minutes.
Next, wash with a sponge or cloth to remove grimes and stains.
After that, rinse the blinds with fresh water and then wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to dry them.
Let them dry completely before putting them back.
Wood
Something important to note about wood blinds is that they should never be wet.
Since wood blinds should never come into contact with water, the trick of cleaning them thoroughly is cleaning them regularly.
Vacuum to remove dust and then use a damp cloth dipped in a vinegar solution to wipe them.
Ensure you dry the slats using a paper towel or a soft dry cloth.
Faux Wood
Faux wood is irresistible to warping and is durable.
As such, blinds made of faux wood can be deep cleaned by soaking them in water. Wash the blinds in a tub full of a mixture of warm water and soap.
After cleaning and removing dirt, dry them before returning them.
Tip: Rub a fabric softener sheet on the slats to reduce dust build-up.
Fabric
To give your fabric blind some serious cleaning, use household stain cleaners.
Be careful not to use cleaners that will make the fabric fade.
Another option is using a dry cleaner to remove stubborn grime and stains.
Conclusion
Blinds are a modern and sophisticated covering and interior décor.
Their incredible versatility, benefits, appearance, and unique style make them a must-have for any home or office.
Before choosing blinds, familiarize yourself with the different types and materials on the market today.
References
[1] https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/living-family-rooms/a31757112/types-of-blinds/
[2] https://www.doityourself.com/stry/remove-blinds-from-your-windows-stepbystep
[3] https://www.airtasker.com/blog/how-to-clean-venetian-blinds/
[4] http://www.sitpro.org.uk/the-3-most-common-types-of-blinds-materials-and-their-use/
[5] https://www.maids.com/blog/how-to-clean-blinds-inside-cleaning/
[6] https://prohousekeepers.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-cleaning-window-blinds-and-shades/
[7] https://www.bayhomeandwindow.com/different-kinds-of-blinds-you-can-buy/
[8] https://factorydirectblinds.com/blog/best-way-clean-blinds-without-taking/
[9] https://cleanmyspace.com/how-to-clean-blinds-wood-plastic-aluminum-blinds/
[10] https://www.coscleaningservices.com/blog/how-to-clean-different-types-of-window-blinds
[11] https://www.blindster.com/blog/how-to-clean-aluminum-blinds/
[12] https://simplegreen.com/cleaning-tips/rooms/living-room/blinds/
